Google Glass Explorer Edition XE V2 – Cotton White – Video Android Glasses Just when we thought that Audi was going to own CES with its Google collabo, now we have Hyundai stepping into the ring with Google with their beta version tying in telematics and infotainment into the Hyundai Genesis (I thought Equus would be more appropriate, but someday in the future this tech will trickle down to the Accent) via Google Glass. Whew- that was quite a sentence, so let’s break it down.

‘Wearables’ are the latest craze that automakers are trying to capitalize on. While most apps just help you monitor your oil temp around the Nurenburg ring after you exit, Google Glass does make sense when it comes to safety. As far as locking the car doors, well, I always thought that was perfected by the small touch sensitive button adjacent to the old-school key cylinder found on today’s vehicles. But, the ability to enter a nav destination while you are walking to the car without accessing your phone does sound cool. One thing I do like as far as safety goes with Google Glass: Increased situational awareness. We have seen some terrible tragedies in parking garages (some very close to home- the terrible Short Hills Mall incident comes to mind). Anything that can keep you from fumbling to make a clean getaway is good.

Here is the rest of the story:The way people interact with their cars is about to change. No longer is controlling a vehicle remotely through a gadget reserved for comic books, super hero movies or secret agents. Hyundai’s next generation of products, starting with the all-new 2015 Genesis, will allow owners to connect with their vehicle using wearable devices. Hyundai’s cloud-based Blue Link platform makes features like remote start and service information quickly accessible through new devices like Google Glass and others.

Wearable devices will help owners save time and add a new level of convenience by allowing remote interaction with the vehicle without the need to pull out their smartphone. Hyundai plans to launch a Blue Link Glassware application next year with the all-new 2015 Genesis sedan.

“We see wearables as a technology trend, expanding from fitness and health monitoring to broader applications,” Barry Ratzlaff, executive director, Customer Connect and Service Business Development, Hyundai Motor America. “As a leader in connected car technology, we’re always exploring new ways to use technology to enhance the ownership experience for our customers. Wearables are a great way to extend the experience outside of the vehicle by leveraging these small screens to quickly access remote features and deliver timely vehicle information.”

Wearable device apps will join Hyundai’s existing mobile app offerings designed to give Hyundai owners convenient access to Blue Link features and Car Care services. The all-new 2015 Genesis, with its suite of technology and connectivity features, is a perfect fit to showcase leading-edge mobility and connectivity features, many of which are not offered in competing products. Hyundai plans to launch the vehicle with new infotainment and connectivity features powered by Blue Link.

“Genesis is a unique take on luxury where the owner experience is enabled through the intelligent application of technology, features and services that empower the owner,” said Mark Dipko, director of Corporate Planning and Strategy at Hyundai Motor America. “We feel this vehicle is a great product to showcase how the latest technology can enhance the ownership experience and give owners more time and convenience.”

Small screens of wearable devices only allow a limited amount of information to be shown. As such, it is important to present useful and relevant information. On Google Glass, vehicle information will be presented as cards optimized for the Glass user interface. Push notifications will alert the owner when maintenance is due and allow quick service scheduling by enabling the wearer to initiate a call using the device’s built-in functionality. The application will also allow owners to access popular Blue Link features like remote start, remote door lock/unlock, vehicle finder, POI send-to-car powered by Google quickly using the device’s compact interface.

Hyundai is no stranger to mobile application development. In 2010, the company launched the all-new Equus premium sedan with an innovative iPad application that effectively replaced the vehicle owner’s manual with a digital, interactive version. It was designed to be more convenient, immersive and save time.

Hyundai’s new Car Care app introduced this summer builds on this strategy by allowing Hyundai owners without Blue Link to schedule service, look up maintenance schedule, read quick reference guides and more. With the launch of Blue Link, Hyundai also launched its Blue Link app for iOS and Android platforms to give subscribers quick access to Blue Link features while on the go. The company sees mobile apps as a convenient way for owners to access information.

“In 2013, we saw millions of commands sent to Hyundai vehicles from our Blue Link mobile application,” said Ratzlaff. “As new screens emerge, we see a real opportunity to expand our app strategy to provide added convenience for our owners.”